THE SUM IS GREATERTHAN THE PARTS

Our Team

The native tribes of Alaska knew that whales were precious. Once their members caught a whale, they worked together to use every part of it. Blubber became lamp oil, rib bones became house rafters, jawbones became sled runners. Nothing was wasted. At Idea Grove, our team embraces a similar mindset. When we come up with a whale of a story idea, we work to extract value from it across every B2B marketing channel – public relations, social media, search marketing, email nurturing, and paid media.

That synergy makes us a true team. It also ensures the sum of what we do is even greater than the parts.

ALL

LEADERSHIP

PUBLIC RELATIONS

DIGITAL MARKETING

Scott

Baradell

PRESIDENT / FOUNDER

Scott, president of Idea Grove, oversees one of the fastest-growing and most forward-looking public relations and inbound marketing agencies in the southwestern United States. Idea Grove focuses on helping technology companies reach media and buyers; and its clients range from venture-backed startups to Fortune 200 companies.

Scott launched Idea Grove in 2005 along with his groundbreaking blog, Media Orchard. He has been a consistent innovator in the public relations and marketing space. Scott was among the first to understand the role of blogging in audience building. He was quick to recognize the vital importance of content quality and the power of social sharing.

IG 101

I once was in a tour bus attacked by Japanese Snow Monkeys.

My favorite sport is basketball.

The first recipe I learned to make was for a liverwurst sandwich.

ETTA

GOSS

SVP, CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

Etta is Idea Grove’s senior vice president of operations, which includes oversight and management of the agency’s finance, accounting, human resources and IT support.

In this role, Etta provides critical financial and operational management in the areas of financial planning, annual budgeting, revenue forecasting, cash flow management, reporting and analysis. She is also responsible for managing a breadth of staff and operational functions that requires strategic and tactical oversight and execution.

Etta brings more than 20 years of finance and accounting experience to Idea Grove. Most recently, she spent 17 years working for Omnicom Group. In this role, Etta was a key member of Rapp’s finance team. Her focus at Rapp was on maintaining a successful, profitable business for the Dallas operations, leveraging industry best practices.

Before Rapp, Etta was with global PR agency Ketchum where she increased revenue and profitability, and put necessary processes in place across the agency’s Dallas office.

IG 101

I was an early entrepreneur: I designed my own clothes for the first time at age 14.

I know how to ride a motorcycle.

Once, I cliff dived on a dare.

Katie

Long

VICE PRESIDENT OF PUBLIC RELATIONS

Katie, vice president, is responsible for managing account services and public relations for Idea Grove clients in a diverse set of spaces, including transportation and logistics, document process automation, donor engagement, career transition services, business process outsourcing and executive search.

Previously, Katie designed and executed national publicity and promotional campaigns at a global entertainment company and helmed the public relations department at a full-service advertising and marketing agency.

Katie holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Human & Organizational Development and Communication Studies from Vanderbilt University.

IG 101

I’ve always considered Dallas home but I’ve also lived in New York City, Nashville, Phoenix and Australia.

I can be bribed with wine and chocolate.

I was once on a pottery tv show where I demonstrated how to make a cabbage.

LIZ

CIES

VICE PRESIDENT OF PUBLIC RELATIONS

Liz is vice president at Idea Grove, where she works to build public relations programs that create awareness among customers, media, analysts and industry influencers.

With more than a decade of experience in B2B public relations and social media, Liz works with companies in the data center, cloud, security and marketing technology industries to create consistent messaging and awareness across a wide range of print and online platforms.

Before joining Idea Grove, Liz led the public relations program at AWeber, an email marketing software provider. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from Texas A&M University.

IG 101

Don’t let that last name throw you off! It rhymes with “Rice”, “Nice” or “Precise”. It should have been Seuss (as in Dr. Seuss) had immigration official not misspelled it many generations back.

I’ve played the piano since I was five, and love to learn new instruments. Currently I’m trying to conquer the mandolin.

The strangest job I ever had was in college, where I was paid to sit outside the classrooms of athletes on academic probation and make sure they arrived to class.

Nathan

Binford

VICE PRESIDENT OF DIGITAL

A technologist and marketer for over 18 years, Nate’s career has switched tracks several times, starting as an e-commerce developer, then as an entertainment marketer, then owner of a small digital marketing agency, most recently as a lead media strategist for AH Belo (parent company of The Dallas Morning News), and now he’s made Idea Grove his home.

Nate’s unique and diverse background, and the time he spent as a small business owner, provides a strong foundation for his current role as VP of Digital for Idea Grove. His passion for business, dedication to hard work and fearless attitude push the team to think big, take risks, and constantly innovate.

Marketing isn’t a job to Nate, it’s a chance to create, to take ideas and make them reality; and, given the chance, he’ll move mountains and slay dragons for you.

IG 101

I met my wife through a social media contest where she was the winner (but I'm the lucky one).

I make very fancy cocktails for fun.

I have helped put on more than 1,000 concerts, festivals and parties.

Jarrett

Rush

DIRECTOR OF CONTENT MARKETING

Jarrett is responsible for the creation and implementation of client content strategy, ensuring not only is the right message being communicated but that it's being communicated in the right places using the right methods. Jarrett is also responsible for management of in-house and contract writers and crafts white papers, ebooks, byline articles, blog posts, and other collateral and thought-leadership content for Idea Grove's B2B technology clients. Previously he served as managing editor of D Custom, the custom publishing arm of D Magazine, and as an editor at The Dallas Morning News.

IG 101

I made my stage debut in third grade playing a candy bar in a play on dental hygiene. I can still recite my lines.

Didn’t opt for an email address in college because “who would want to communicate that way?”

I was a Little League all-star at third base and catcher.

BRITTANY

MCLAUGHLIN

SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGER

Brittany is an integrated marketing professional with a background in public relations and a passion for communicating complex stories to unique audiences. Working primarily in an agency setting, she has experience serving clients from a range of industries, including unified communication, enterprise information management, retail technology, healthcare, and commercial and residential real estate.

Brittany leads several accounts at Idea Grove, helping them achieve their business and marketing goals through a strategic approach to media relations and inbound marketing.

Prior to joining Idea Grove, Brittany served as an account lead at TruePoint Communications, where she worked with several nonprofit, healthcare and real estate companies. Brittany earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Relations from The University of Texas at Austin, as well as a certificate in Business Foundations from the Red McCombs School of Business.

IG 101

I once walked 60 miles in three days to raise support and awareness for breast cancer.

When I was four years old, my family found an alligator in our pool.

I’ve performed on stage with Josh Groban.

Jacqueline

Wasem

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Jacqueline, account manager, is responsible for managing public relations campaigns.

She comes to Idea Grove from Washington, D.C. where she most recently spent two years as the communications director for GOPAC, a political organization that provides educational opportunities for state legislators.

Having started her career at Hill+Knowlton on their public affairs and media relations teams, she provides her clients a deep understanding of various media relations tools. She has extensive knowledge of building long-term relationships with key reporters and influencers and brings a wide range of experience to Idea Grove having worked on clients spanning the energy, health care, government, and telecommunications industries.

Jacqueline earned her MA in Global Affairs and Management from Thunderbird School of Global Management and her BA in Communications and Asian Studies from Furman University. She also spent two years living in Shanghai, China teaching English.

She works to create infographics, eBooks, website graphics, print collateral and more. Megan’s Idea Grove clients are involved in industries that include finance technology, digital solutions, IT management and mobile retailing.

Before joining Idea Grove, Megan worked as an in-house graphic designer for more than two years. She graduated from Rhode Island School of Design with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design.

IG 101

When I was a kid, my dream job was to be an Ice Capades performer.

My hair has been every color of the rainbow.

Every morning I drive to work to ridiculously loud electronic dance music, to wake up.

KADY

WHITE

DIGITAL ACCOUNT MANAGER

Kady is a digital native marketer that has spent the past several years in the B2B technology space. She brings over 6 years of HubSpot experience to Idea Grove and has seen first hand how powerful INBOUND and marketing automation can be. She has a BBA in Marketing from the University of North Texas and an MA in Communications from the University of Texas at Arlington.

At Idea Grove, Kady manages digital accounts to deliver services in inbound marketing, social media, web development, and SEO. Before coming to idea Grove, she spent several years in the hospitality technology space providing comprehensive marketing strategy and execution across several products and brands.

IG 101

Growing up I wanted to be a marine biologist and even went to Aquatic Studies summer camp.

Les has a knack for translating complexity into language any audience can understand, from techies all the way to the C-suite. Nearly 30 years in technology give Les a unique voice that speaks to both the seller’s and buyer’s points-of-view.

Before turning his full attention to copywriting, Les was director of IT operations and development for NTT America, and before that, a hardcore software developer. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from Texas A&M University.

IG 101

Only really close friends believe my favorite hobby is cheesemaking.

After being back in the United States for almost 10 years, I’m living in Mexico again.

One day after major shoulder surgery, I was back at my keyboard. (I’m a writer, what can I say?)

Donna graduated from Texas State University – San Marcos with a Bachelor’s of Business Administration in Marketing.

IG 101

I love the outdoors (although TX summers are rough).

I attempt to CrossFit.

My favorite rock band is Led Zeppelin.

FARHA

SYED

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Farha, account executive, is responsible for day-to-day account management, media pitching, writing public relations and marketing materials, managing and building strategies across both digital and public relations accounts and executing integrated communications strategies. Farha has gained experience and knowledge in a variety of industries, including SaaS, cybersecurity, web hosting, information management and marketing technology.

Previously, Farha worked as an Account Coordinator at Publicis Hawkeye and as Publicist Intern at Sunshine Sachs in West Hollywood managing social media and digital platforms, strategically planning digital and print campaigns, and coordinating music and film events.

Farha’s diverse career experience, which ranges from knife sales to entertainment PR to retail media to advertising and digital marketing, provides a unique point of view and has contributed to her passion for integrated communications.

IG 101

I practiced martial arts for over eight years. It’s fun when people underestimate you for your height.

My family is of South African, Indian, Irish and Swedish descent, but my parents decided to name me after the queen of Persia. Thanks for the fun ice breaker, mom and dad.

I modeled in a runway show during NYFW in 2016 as a favor to my friend. Try wearing a jumpsuit after eating three hot dogs. 10/10 would not recommend.

Before joining Idea Grove as a public relations and social media intern in 2017, Alexis graduated from Oklahoma State University with a bachelor’s degree in Strategic Communications. During Alexis’ time at OSU she completed multiple marketing internships and served as a member of Oklahoma State’s National Student Advertising Competition (NSAC) team, where she worked with a group to create and present an advertising campaign to Snapple.

IG 101

I was bald until I was "damn near three" (direct quote from my mom).

I think college football season is the most wonderful time of the year. (Go Pokes!)

I foster and volunteer for my local animal shelter.

Colton

Hightower

ASSISTANT ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Colton, assistant account executive, contributes to Idea Grove’s Public Relations team by producing client deliverables, developing beneficial relationships with key members of the media and managing client needs. Colton has worked across many industries including higher education, insurance, non-profit and enterprise technology. Before joining Idea Grove as a Public Relations intern, Colton worked for years to hone his culinary knowledge.

Colton earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications with a focus in Public Relations from the University of Texas at Arlington.

IG 101

I am a trained film photographer.

I make the best cheese board in all of Dallas-Fort Worth.

I am an expert negotiator.

Lauren

Redman

ASSISTANT ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Lauren, assistant account executive, contributes to Idea Grove’s public relations team by conducting research, developing media relationships and managing client needs. During her time at Idea Grove she has worked with clients across a variety of industries, including trucking and transportation, business process automation and utilities. Before joining Idea Grove, she worked in the hydraulics and health care industries.

Lauren holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Integrative Studies with focuses in Journalism, Political Science and International Relations from the University of North Texas.

IG 101

My favorite band to see live is the Alabama Shakes.

I've been studying Japanese since 2015.

I enjoy building gaming computer for me and my friends.

Andrew

Brooks

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Andrew (we call him Drew) serves Idea Grove as a graphic designer. He works to create graphics and visual designs to help clients communicate their ideas and messages effectively. He collaborates with his Art Director on managing and distributing various projects to create infographics, website graphics, wireframes, user interface designs, print collateral and more.

Prior to joining the Idea Grove team, he worked as a solo in-house designer for a non-profit, legal professionals membership-based organization for almost five years. He graduated from Texas Tech University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Communication Design and then went on to complete a Web Design certification through Southern Methodist University.

IG 101

I love peanut butter.

My favorite animal is the great white shark.

My side hustle is runway modeling.

JULIA

CARDER

ACCOUNT COORDINATOR

Julia, previously intern turned account coordinator, is the newest member of Idea Grove’s public relations team. She contributes by conducting research, developing media relationships and managing client needs. While she has previous knowledge in trucking and transportation and business process automation, she is excited to dive in and learn more about the global workforce management and utilities industries moving forward.

Julia graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a bachelor’s degree in Public Relations with a minor in Business Enterprise Studies. During her time at OU she held a marketing position in Dallas and completed a public relations internship with Idea Grove prior to graduation.

IG 101

My favorite decade is the 70s. I wish I could’ve grown up during that time.

I could eat Mexican food for every meal of every day. (I am a regular at Mi Cocina)

I think college football game day is better than Christmas morning. (Boomer Sooner)

ALAN

COOK

CLIENT DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

Alan, client development manager, is responsible for new business development, developing growth strategies, maintaining and promoting brand awareness and qualifying new accounts.

Before joining Idea Grove, Alan discovered his passion for sales while working at both the Dallas Observer and iHeartMedia and as a sales executive. His enthusiasm for public relations stems from his experience at a newswire service where he focused on client relationship development.

He graduated from Louisiana Tech University with a major in English and minor in communication.

IG 101

I go to any and all local music festivals, especially electronic music.

Every fall, I attend my alma mater's homecoming game. Go bulldogs!

I collect art from local artists only, no commercial art please.

KRISTAL

MILAZZO

SENIOR CONTENT PRODUCER

As a senior content producer, Kristal produces engaging videos and motion for Idea Grove clients. She works with account managers and clients to develop video content strategies that convert in every part of the funnel and for every digital channel.

Before joining Idea Grove, Kristal worked in local broadcast television as an art director and promotions manager. Her years of working in broadcasting taught her how to continually adapt to change and quickly solve problems.

Kristal graduated from the University of North Texas with major in Radio, Television and Film.

IG 101

I perform improv at Stomping Ground Comedy in Dallas, Texas

When I was in fifth grade, I was the regional spelling bee champion. The highlight was being able to eat at Hardees on a school day.

My first car was the same as Farrah Fawcett’s in Charlie’s Angels (A Mustang Cobra II), complete with 8-track player. Too bad it was a decade later.